Are drivers legally required to keep hands on the wheel?

Q: The other day I was driving behind an SUV that was swerving and varying speeds. The driver and others in the car appeared to be moving their hands quite a bit.

Upon closer examination, I noticed they were using sign language.

I don’t discriminate by nature, but I am wondering if this is OK? In other words, are you required to keep hands on the wheel?

A:From State Patrol Trooper Dan McDonald.

There is no law against removing your hands from the steering wheel or using sign language while driving.

With that being said, the driver’s primary responsibility is to drive and maintain constant control of the vehicle.

If someone is unable to maintain control of their vehicle while communicating in sign language then the appropriate enforcement would be taken on the moving violations that are committed: unsafe lane travel, unsafe lane change, no turn signal, following too close, speed, etc.

Thanks to the people who submitted questions. Previous answers are linked below.